
Summer, In Summary
As you might know, Dartmouth students are required to spend the summer after their sophomore year (dubbed "Sophomore Summer") taking a full set of courses on campus. Because the D-Plan gives us flexibility to choose when we want to take our breaks, I've actually had double the sun! I've now spent not one, but TWO summers at Dartmouth. So I figured I'd compile a list with my favorite Sophomore Summer (and Freshman Summer!) memories.
- No. 1
Strips! (Sophomore Trips)
Most incoming freshmen know about "Trips" (where you spend five days in the wilderness with a random pool of your new classmates), but have you heard about Strips? Strips is yet another wild adventure that Dartmouth students go on before the start of their Sophomore Summer. I spent several days hiking with five classmates that I had yet to meet!
- No. 2
Campus Views
This was a rainbow over the O-Farm! (Dartmouth's Organic Farm)
- No. 3
Study Views
At the end of the day, everyone's still taking an intense course load over the summer. So as much as Dartmouth might feel like summer camp at times, I still often found myself studying in the library. Thankfully, there's a stunning view from the library windows!
- No. 4
Roomie Love!
As I've previously written, I was randomly paired with a roommate my Freshman Summer who went on to become one of my best friends.
- No. 5
Parent's Weekend
In the summer, each class members' parents are invited to campus to visit for a weekend. My parents flew all the way from home to say hello!
- No. 6
Fourth of July Festivities
America's birthday is a lively holiday on campus! You'll find students swimming at the river or barbecuing under the sunshine all day. I ran through some sprinklers with a few friends to avoid the heat!
- No. 7
Drawing
I took Drawing 1 my first summer on campus and loved it! I sketched this portrait of my friend from three different angles as one of my final drawings.
- No. 8
The Farmer's Market
In the summer, there's a farmer's market on the Green every Wednesday! I love to browse the tents for the local coffee and live music.
- No. 9
Hiking
There are so many hiking trails connected to campus that it's hard not to get outdoors on the weekend. My favorite hikes in the area are Mt. Cardigan (pictured) and Mt. Moosilauke! I have yet to try it, but I know that Gile is another beautiful (and easy!) hike nearby.
- No. 10
Doing Work Under the Sun
One of my favorite parts about the summer is getting to spend all day by the river. In fact, the river became one of my favorite study spots!
- No. 11
Friends!
Sophomore Summer means that all of your friends are on campus! That meant everywhere I looked on campus, I saw someone I know and love.